What are Mental Health Problems?

Mental Health – Lets talk about it…..

Mental Health

Myth. People with mental health problems never recover. 1in4peopleFact. With the right support people with mental health problems get better.

Myth. Mental Health problems are rareFact. One in four people will experience a mental health problem in the course of a year.

What are ‘mental health problems’?

The word ‘mental’ means about the mind. So when we’re experiencing a mental health problem it will affect our thoughts and feelings and change how we see the world. Some feelings associated with mental ill health are sadness, anxiety, hopelessness or low self esteem. It is when these feelings become more intense or you are feeling that way for a longer period of time that a doctor may diagnose you as having a ‘mental health problem.

Who Experiences Mental Ill Health?

In short anyone can have a mental health problem. It is not selective to how rich you are, where you live or what you do for a living. People from all walks of life have the potential to have mental ill health. There are things that can make you more likely to develop mental ill health, such as traumatic experiences, your upbringing and your personality but circumstances that trigger mental ill health in one person may not in another. The truth is mental health problems can take on different forms. At some points in our lives, all of us experience stress, grief or worry. But at other times, people can experience changes in how they think or behave, which can feel overwhelming and affect their personality. Just because you are rich and famous doesn’t mean you are ‘immune’ to mental ill health. The following people have all publicly said they have suffered from mental ill health:

Robbie Williams, Drew Barrymore, Mike Tyson, Robin Williams……this list is not exhaustive. Recently David Beckham hit the headlines because he admitted having Obsessive compulsive disorder. To have a look at the full article click the link below

Why don’t people talk about it?

There is a stigma attached to mental health problems. This is not helped by the press calling people with mental health problems ‘psycho’ and making out that people with some mental illnesses are all dangerous. People feel ashamed to admit that they cannot cope with things or are having strange thoughts and so keep things secret and bottled up instead of asking for help. There is help and treatment available for mental illness – just as there is for physical illness and no one should be looked down upon for asking for this help. You wouldn’t’t think any less of a person for getting treatment for diabetes or asthma so why should it be any different for someone suffering from a mental health problem?

Where can I get help?

Telling someone you trust is the first and hardest step to make. You should go to see your Doctor who can give you advice or who may refer to see a specialist.

If you want more information regarding mental health or want to speak to someone in confidence about something you may be experiencing then there are many organisations that you can ask or who can put you in touch with someone that can really help. Have a look in the organisation section

If you are worried…

The Samaritans A confidential telephone help line for anyone who is feeling low, depressed or suicidal, Open 24hrs, everyday. Tel: 08457 90 90 90 calls are charged at local rate.

Child Line The UK’s 24hr help line for children and young people including teenagers. FREEPHONE 08001111